Lennon warning to Hoops stars

The issue of racism is back at the top of the agenda in England and the Professional Footballers' Association, after criticism from some leading players, have come up with a six-point action plan which includes making racism-related offences punishable by the sack and the introduction of a scheme to boost the number of black coaches and managers.

Asked about the football version of the 'Rooney rule', which was introduced by the NFL in the United States in 2003 to ensure qualified ethnic minority coaches are on interview lists for job vacancies, the Celtic boss said: "I don't have a problem with that at all."

He continued: "We are an open club and we have been since the club was formed 125 years ago.

"I have a zero tolerance rule. I have spoken to the players about this before.

"Any sign of any sort of racism against colour, religion, background will be an instant sackable offence.

"I don't have to really speak to my players about that. The spirit and respect they have for each other is tremendous but they have been made well aware of that before.

"There is no place for that (discrimination) in the game and there never should have been.

"At this club we see everyone as equal and all I see are footballers and men and we treat them that way."

Source: PA

Source: PA